Mandalas Mandalas

What is a Mandala? The word "mandala" is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean "circle," a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds. Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community. A mandala is... An integrated structure organized around a unifying center Longchenpa "The integrated view of the world represented by the mandala, while long embraced by some Eastern religions, has now begun to emerge in Western religious and secular cultures. Awareness of the mandala may have the potential of changing how we see ourselves, our planet, and perhaps even our own life purpose." (From Mandala: Journey to the Center, by Bailey Cunningham)

What is a symbol? A symbol is something that represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for numbers. Personal names are symbols representing individuals. A red rose symbolizes love and compassion. (Wikipedia)

What is a Mandala? Originated in Tibet 2000 years ago Tibetans use it to calm themselves and think about the meaning of life Intricately illustrated Used for meditation Show individual or cultural uniqueness Many cultures use it Aztec Asia Native Americans

Aztec Calendar Timekeeping Religious uses

Taoist Yin-Yang Symbol To show opposition and interdependence

Native Americans Sand painting Medicine wheels

Why a circle? What are some things a circle can symbolize or represent?

Why a circle? Represents harmony and wholeness of life Universal shape: eye, sun snowflake, moon, circle of friends, the atom, cells, nucleus A simple representation of WHO YOU ARE Using symbols that represent you Peace, love, friendship, etc

You are going to create your own symbolic picture representing aspects of your life! Your own mandala .

Visualizations Close your eyes Picture the scenes I’m going to describe Open when I say Write or draw what you thought about

Visualization #1 Think about a significant day in your life. Who was there? Where were you? What was happening? Why is the day so important to you?

Visualization #2 Think about a series of favorite locations of your childhood. Why is each place special? What does it represent? Dad’s lap? Grandma’s kitchen stool A secret hiding place under a tree

Visualization #3 Envision the people closest to you. Who are they? See their faces View their actions What have they done or what do they do that makes them special?

Visualization #4 Think about the objects in your life that are most important to you. What are they? Feel yourself holding them How do they make you feel? Where did you get them? Why are they special?

Visualization #5 Think about a difficult time in your life. What was going on? Why were you struggling? Who was there to help you? How did you respond the challenge?

Visualization #6 See your life as a journey. What does it look like? Bumpy road River Where did the journey begin? Where has it led you? Where is it heading? How has the trip been What part was really important, a defining moment?

Rough Drafts Most important symbol in the middle Think of connecting design Unifying theme Symmetrical pattern

What do you think?

Mandala SPREAD Due Thursday Include neatness, craftsmanship Rush job=  grade Take your time, experience the meditative power of the mandala.